Chief Executive
Cumberland Council
£188,227 (Pay Award pending)
Cumberland is a special place, with the beauty of the lakes, combined with an amazing coastline, a thriving city, bustling towns and a strong economy. Cumberland offers an exceptional quality of life alongside ambitious opportunities for growth and transformation.
Formed in 2023 through local government reorganisation, Cumberland Council has established strong foundations and delivered significant improvements for its residents. It is an award-winning council, one of the safest places in the North of England, with 94% of primary schools rated good or outstanding. The council is now looking for an exceptional Chief Executive to lead the next chapter of its development.
THE ROLE
Working closely with elected members, officers and key partners, you will provide strategic and corporate leadership to the council, setting and delivering a clear, sustainable and outcome-focused vision for Cumberland and its residents. You will ensure the council remains financially resilient, high-performing and well-governed, focused on delivering statutory responsibilities alongside place-based ambitions. You will lead a strong and established senior leadership team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, innovation and continuous improvement.
Operating within a complex and evolving local government landscape, characterised by increasing financial pressures and rising demand for services, you will provide strong leadership and maintain the delivery of sustainable, high-quality outcomes for residents and communities across Cumberland. You will play a central role in the continued development and maturity of the council, ensuring the organisation operates as a modern, agile, inclusive and customer-focused authority.
We are looking for a leader who is visible, authentic and values driven, someone who can balance ambition with pragmatism and who shares the council’s commitment to improving outcomes for residents. You will bring strategic vision, political awareness and a track record of delivering meaningful organisational and service improvement within a complex environment. Equally important will be your ability to build trust, inspire others and work collaboratively with members, staff, communities and partners.
This is a fantastic opportunity to shape the future of a modern and ambitious unitary council, serving diverse communities across a unique and nationally significant place. If you are motivated by public service, collaborative leadership and the opportunity to make a genuine difference at scale, we would like to hear from you.
INFORMATION
For further details, please click on the role profile and useful links below, or for more information please contact Tim Farr on 07756 293292 or tim.farr@starfishsearch.com
ROLE PROFILE STRUCTURE CHARTTimeline
Closing Date: 14th August 2026
Longlisting (applicants not required) 18th August 2026
Technical Interview (virtual): 24th & 25th August 2026
Shortlisting (applicants not required): 2nd September 2026
Psychometric Assessment (virtual): Between 3rd – 9th September 2026
Assessment Centre (in person, Carlisle): 10th & 11th September 2026
Useful Links
How to apply
To make an application, please click on the apply now button below, with the following prepared:
- Your CV (no more than three sides of A4).
- A supporting statement (no more than three sides of A4) that sets out why you think this role is the right move for you and how you meet the knowledge and experience criteria.
If our client is a member of the Disability Confident Scheme and you would like to apply under the scheme, please state that clearly at the top of your supporting statement, along with any adjustments you require to be made if invited for interview.
Apply